Maoists taking advantage of halt to security operations

"As anti-Maoist operations have been stopped as per their demands following the hostage crisis, the present situation will certainly give the Maoists opportunity to re-group and prepare for major attacks", said a senior official.

It was also not known whether the Maoists would extend their deadline as earlier, but they were lingering with the situation as operations by security forces were halted, he said.

Though the Maoist Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee holding 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA hostage has said his fate would be decided by a 'praja court' by tomorrow, there was no definite information about its exact time and venue.

There was, however, some indication with the state government that the people's court would be held in Narayanpatna area, the official said.

Narayanpatna area remained cut off from the rest of the state since Friday because of road blockades put up by the Maoists and a 'Maoist week' called from today.

"We don't think road communication can be restored in the next couple of days as civilians are not cooperating with the administration in removing the road blockades", a senior district official said.

The police were considering all security measures before taking steps to remove the blockades, he said. (more) PTI SKN PC